fox's jennifer davis is on the cape tonight. >> reporter: even as earl continues to lose its strength, massachusetts governor says his state is preparing for a very serious storm. >> we've had them before and we'll have them again. >> reporter: after whipping the north carolina coastline with heavy wind and rain earl may be weakening at a quicker pace than expected. warnings are in effect around cape cod as well as a popular summer vacation island spot of martha's vineyard and nantucket. >> we'll go out to a shelter that's been set up at the high school and assist them with snacks and drinks until we know exactly what's going to happen with the storm. >> reporter: the national hurricane center says most of earl's strong winds are expected to stay off cape cod. that's good news for those in the area. >> it can't be a big deal when i see all these other people out here. >> i mean if things happen, there's plenty of places. so i think we'll be okay. >> reporter: despite the impending storm shops and restaurants were pretty busy with tourists. >> we're staying. >> reporter: any concerns?